Once upon a time textbooks were purchased only from college bookstores. There were no deals and your choices were limited to what you saw sitting on the shelf. As with so many things, the internet has turned the world of textbook shopping into a highly competitive market.

Now don't get me wrong, textbooks still require a substantial investment, but there are deals to be had if you know where to look. By all means check out the prices at the bookstore, but don't make a commitment until you've compared them to the online prices.

Before you begin book shopping think about the type of reading experience you prefer. Are you the type of person who needs to hold the book and flip the pages, or do you prefer the glow of a tablet screen? Flexibility in this area could save you money. Demand has always driven price and ebooks are in demand. So don't be surprised if the e-book price is higher than the hardcover price.

A distinct advantage of e-books is that you can save both space and your back by loading all of your text books onto a small, lightweight tablet. Not only do they literally lighten your load, you never have to worry that you've left your book in another bag or sitting on your desk back in the dorm. The one negative is that at the end of the semester you can't sell them back or even give them away.

If real books are your preference, you have a choice of buying or renting.

Renting textbooks is the way to go if you want a reasonably new book, with no excessive writing or highlighting. This option allows you to get a book in really good condition at a considerable savings over an outright purchase. The drawback is that you have to treat the book gently. Break the spine, spill coffee on it, or write in it and you may be required to buy the book.

If you don't care about condition go the used route and save some extra green. Plus it's yours to do with as you wish. When the semester is over, you can sell it, give it away, donate it or add it to you library.

After you have your list of required textbooks use the websites below to search and compare. Always remember to add in any shipping costs which can turn a great deal into a so-so deal.

Tab browsing is the easiest way to view and open the links below. Simply right click on the link and select "open a new tab.". This will open the web page in a separate tab while keeping this page open. It's a great way to view multiple sites at once.

I would recommend starting your online search on the website that always makes the top of the list when anyone talks about books, Amazon. They offer great deals on textbooks with up to 30% off new textbooks, 90% off used textbooks, 70% off rental textbooks and 60% off etextbooks.

Better World Books
Offers a selection of over 60,000 textbooks at up to 60% off, plus free shipping. They strive to help create a better world through book donations and funding for literacy.

Bookbyte
Sells and rents print textbooks, will also buy back textbooks. They do not offer etextbooks.

Course Smart
Specializes in eTextbooks and digital course materials. They promote savings of up to 60% of print textbooks.

eBooks
They offer a wide selection of academic e-books compatible with Kindle Fire, Apple, Android, Nook, Kobo, PC, Mac, Sony Reader and more. If you don’t have a tablet you can read books on your computer

Ecampus
They Sell etextbooks and print textbooks as well as offering textbook rentals. They also buy textbooks.

Phat Campus
Sells and rents print textbooks, will also buy back textbooks. They do not offer etextbooks.

Textbook Stop
Specializing in new and used book rentals, they also sell used books. Will buy used textbooks.